Starmer gives tech firms deadline on child image controls

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has told tech companies operating in the UK to introduce device controls that prevent children from sending and receiving sexually explicit images. The government says companies have three months to make changes or face legislation that would force them to activate blocking technology.

The Home Office said Britain would become the first country in the world where children cannot take, share or view naked pictures on their devices. Big tech companies such as Apple and Google could be required to activate built-in features or implement technical solutions on new and existing smartphones and tablets, with nude content blocked by default for children. Those over 18 would still be able to access nude content through age verification.

Ministers said firms that fail to comply could face fines, and the government is exploring criminal liability for tech bosses as a last resort. The Home Office said 91% of online child sexual abuse reports recorded in 2024 contained self-generated content from children themselves, and that the average child now views pornography by age 13.

The NSPCC welcomed the move, while Big Brother Watch warned of privacy risks and described the plan as extreme technological censorship. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said banning features was not enough, and Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper criticised the timing. The government is also consulting on screen time guidance and considering further action on social media access for under-16s.